re: Kicking Update

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Show me those stats

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I'd like to see a stat (if kept) of all kickoffs returned for TDs. How deep was the kick, and what was the hangtime?

I think we would be surprise knowing those #s

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Funny you should ask...I cleaning off my desk and came across my stats sheets from last year. These are written long hand and sadly, I cannot read my own handwriting sometimes, but here are the stats from last year KO.

First, understand - - the coaching philosophy is to obtain a net gain in yardage by kicking a high ball that lands in an area which forces the return team to bring it out. This game plan resulted in 173 NET yards gained. This is calculated by comparing actual starting positions to an assumed 25 yard line starting position on touch backs.

The only team to have a positive +/- starting field position against us last year was Florida, who, on 3 KO was +/- 14 yards...the majority of which was a 42 yd return. The other 2 KO in that game were a TB (no +/- factor) and a return to the 22 ( a yardage gain of 3).

In over 60 Kick offs we only had 5 return men get past the 30 yard line all year.

How many went to the house? C'mon...take a guess.

Why? Because with an extended hang time, your special team can get down the field, they can adjust for the return team's attempt to set up lanes, etc, etc.

Look, I get it....I love watching kids explode the ball out of the back of the end-zone. As someone around this aspect of the game, I get my jollies off watching it. It is the "Big Wood" measuring contest of kickers. I guess, that is the one thing that kinda impressed me about CLM and BDP....is they had discipline to use Gamble's ability to hang the ball.

There is not necessarily a right or a wrong, just a different game plan. My only issue is people who do not understand the plan and who want to criticize a kid.

Yes, I will white knight for Gamble....but only because ...and listen when I say this....he has the strongest leg on the team. He can....AT WILL....put a ball into the back of the end-zone. I see him do it. He, like all these guys, works real hard...is a good kid....and simply follows the game-plan laid out by his coaches.

Off my soapbox.....sorry if I offended anyone with the minor rant. Not my intent.